There are some weird laws in New Jersey – and my personal favorite is that I can actually wind up in court…

…if I don’t license my cat.

Believe it or not, they actually have a Law here in Red Bank, New Jersey that states that if you do not license your cat, they can issue you a $25 fine for the first offense, a $50 fine for the second offense – and the third offense actually mandates a court appearance. Are you kidding? Beavis has never even once been out of the house – and you want me to license him?

I was on my way home from work in a cab one day and saw a sign that the town has that places various announcements on it. It said, “Cat licenses due now. $25 fine if not complied.” When I saw the sign – I thought it was a joke – but I called the number on the sign and realized that this crazy town was serious. I had no choice but to get him a license – even though he is a 100% indoor cat.

There is a cat in our condo community that is an outdoor cat. I see him all the time wandering around our community. I cannot fathom how someone could allow their cat to wander about outside and not care where it is. Beavis does not do that. Yet – I have to license him anyway.

The craziest part is, this town actually has officers that roam the town and randomly knocks on doors checking to see if pets are licensed – and if they’re not – they will issue fines. I was told to keep Beavis’ license in an accessible place just in case some Cop knocks on my door and asks to see it. Of all the tings in my life I have going on – I have to concern myself with the fact that I have to get a license for a neutered cat who never even leaves the house?

I just renewed Beavis’ license for $12 – and I am “safe” from the “Gestapo” who might one day ring my bell and ask me if he is licensed. While I am compliant with the law – I just think that Red bank could find other ways to use its officers – and more efficient means of law enforcement.

I could only imagine calling in sick – because I have to go to court – because I did not license my cat.